AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Video guy needs Audio help--just a little.
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Video guy needs Audio help--just a little.

post #1 of 10
7/22/07 at 2:15pm
Thread Starter 
I'm a Video guy and know next to nothing about what's up in audio. I want to retire my current audio amp with a new one. I don't need AM, FM, or DVD. I do need small size and enough power to drive my Boston 5.1 surround speakers. Just tell me what to enter into the search engine to locate a small audio-only unit and I'll be on my way. So far, all I find are big do-it-all megabuck units that won't leave any room for my new Blue Ray.
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #2 of 10
7/30/07 at 8:50pm
Thread Starter 
Bump

I want to thank all the audio guys for your enthusiastic responses to my simple request for a little help. I can take the hint and won't bother you again.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 10
7/31/07 at 1:37am
It's probably because you really did not give much for people to go on. Such as what kind of budget you are looking to be in and what features you want to have. Just saying that you want a audio amp only, implys that you don't even want or need a pre-pro for it. If you don't have a pre-pro, you will need one to use a audio amp only. Unless what you are really asking about, is advice for a receiver, and then again. Knowing a price range and features wanted, is still something that needs to be known before people can start giving advice.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 10
7/31/07 at 1:58am
Well you stated that you wanted to leave room in the budget for your new blu ray but didn't state how much of a budget you're working with. Hard to recommend anything without that information.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 10
7/31/07 at 2:37am
Check out the Panasonic all digital receivers (SA-XR models). Low profile and a lot of watts. Plus they create very little heat (and don't cost much).

It will have a radio built in but you can ignore that.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 10
7/31/07 at 4:34pm
Thread Starter 
I'm glad to see my first impression was wrong. Thanks for real this time.

I don't know enough to ask an intelligent question about audio, I have no idea what a pre-pro is (did mention I was a video guy?). I need an audio box, amp or whatever to connect my DVD and Cable box to my 5 Boston speakers and Subwoofer amp/speaker. I don't have a budget for this and don't care much what it cost. I want something smaller than the Toshiba SD6109C DVD integrated box I have now so I can add the BlueRay or HDDVD without getting a new stand. DVD and AM/FM radio are not required or even wanted but if they come with it and it's small I won't mind. I did quite a bit of looking before I butted in here but only found BIG packages with lots of speakers included. My only intent was to get a better Google search buzz word to zero me in on the proper sources.

The bottom line is I need a small size, good quality audio ?? and would be happy under $1000 dollars but can do more if I get what I want.

I'm really sorry for any confusion and would be happy to entertain video questions if you have any. I've been designing broadcast video equipment for 35 years and currently design 16 channel DVRs for GE Security.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 10
7/31/07 at 9:52pm
Not really knowing what the size of your SD6109C actually is, I can only guess that seeing as how that it also has a built in DVD player, that it is probably about the same size of a good stand alone receiver. And in your case of looking for something of $1000 or less, you have a lot of good ones to choose from. Because Denon, Onkyo and Pioneer are just now releasing a bunch of new models, and with quite a few in that price range. And Yamaha should be not too far behind them, so there should be some news in the future for their new products also. As for the AM/FM, you are more or less going to get that no matter if you want it or not, because that is a standard feature of a receiver. Also as for what a pre-pro is, it is a surround processor/pre-amplifier, and it is what you also need if you have a true amplifier only. A true amplifier only, will also have no way to switch inputs or process surround sound, so it also needs the pre-pro or a receiver with pre-outs to do those functions. Either of which can also be what a lot of people are referring to when they say "separates".

But now that we have determined that you are not really looking for a amplifier only, and are looking for a receiver that will offer good HDMI support for either your future Blu-Ray or HD-DVD players. I suggest you start looking at maybe the following. Denon AVR-2308, Denon AVR-2808, Onkyo TX-SR605, Onkyo TX-SR805, and the Pioneer VSX-91TXH. These are models that you can actually buy now, or in a few cases, pre-order now for a purchase/delivery very soon. Here are a few links that will give you a brief rundowns on the new Denon and the Onkyo receivers, and also the Pioneer.


http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9749863-1.html

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9712132-1.html

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/catching-...ain-262587.php
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 10
8/1/07 at 2:05pm
While you're doing your due diligence check this as well.

http://gizmodo.com/search/DA5300ES
http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...-32552105.html
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 10
8/1/07 at 2:12pm
Thread Starter 
Dear Johnla,

4:52 AM. Do you ever sleep?

You have nailed exactly what I need and I am so much better informed on the subject. Most long time audiophiles have little appreciation of how bewildering the landscape is to us plug and play audio users, you are an exception. Many thanks kind sir.
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 10
8/3/07 at 12:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3579545 View Post

Dear Johnla,

4:52 AM. Do you ever sleep?


LOL.... I'm sort of a night owl, more or less always have been. But don't worry, I find time to get my sleep in......

I hope the information at least got you off to a good start.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Receivers, Amps, and Processors

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Receivers, Amps, and Processors › Video guy needs Audio help--just a little.